Great for motor planning and finger dexterity.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Wikki Stix Can Be Artsy, Too
We used an Ed Emberley handout as our guide to creating these running horses, with the student copying me step by step.
Very interesting to observe the 2nd grader as she turned her hands this way and that to replicate the angles of the "drawing." Looks like a mommy horse and a little foal.
Great for motor planning and finger dexterity.
Great for motor planning and finger dexterity.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Article on Handwriting from NY Times
Thx to one of my OT buddies, Lynn, for sharing this link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/science/whats-lost-as-handwriting-fades.html?_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/science/whats-lost-as-handwriting-fades.html?_r=0
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Desperate Times Call for Desperate Activities
This year I've had so many students with atrocious grasps--what to do?
My usual strategies for fine motor improvement help a little, but my personal exercise program since January has reminded me of the need to incorporate strengthening activities into my treatment approach.
This second grader isn't too crazy about using a pencil. I know adults who hold their pencils, pens like this but I'm just doing a trial run to see if she can develop a more efficient grasp, one that gives her more control of where the pencil is heading and doesn't cramp her fingers after she writes for just a few minutes.
My usual strategies for fine motor improvement help a little, but my personal exercise program since January has reminded me of the need to incorporate strengthening activities into my treatment approach.
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Warm Up--Upper body weight bearing over a stable surface.
Most young students will not be able to achieve a full plank position, although I've worked with a young girl taking gymnastics and she's incredibly steady. My goal is to get them to weight-bear through their hands to develop the arches for better grasp. We start out counting out loud for 10 seconds and I stand real close in case they start sliding away.
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Saturday, June 7, 2014
Five More Days
Next week is the last week of school for us. Can't wait!
What will the summer hold in store? For sure, I foresee lots of grand-dog sitting on the horizon!
We could hike the Blue Ridge Parkway...or,
...we might camp and kayak at Bear Creek Lake?
In our gorgeous area, the possibilities are endless! 5 More Days!!!
What will the summer hold in store? For sure, I foresee lots of grand-dog sitting on the horizon!
We could hike the Blue Ridge Parkway...or,
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| Photos by J. G. Collier--2014 |
In our gorgeous area, the possibilities are endless! 5 More Days!!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Home Program Ideas for Improving Hand Strength for Better Fine Motor Control and Endurance
Here is a collection of ideas from our staff (thx Lauren & Heather!) for improving hand strength:
Wall pushups on flat surface--both hands
Wall pushups on flat surface--one hand with body turned sideways
Wall or chair pushups with hands over rounded object (half tennis ball, swim noodle)
Carrying therapist's tote bag down long school hallways
Traditional theraputty exercises
Hanging by hands from horizontal bar
Bear walking (hands and feet flat on floor)
Balloon tennis with homemade "racket"
Chores that require hand strength and/or sustained wrist extension (carrying pet water bowl or water jug, vacuuming, dusting, making bed)
Putting away canned goods after shopping
Vacuuming car
Working on a vertical surface (writing, coloring, using magnets, etc.)
Use digiflex exerciser--start with low resistance (such as 0.5 lb. or 1 lb.)
Washing the car and wringing out the big sponge.
Helping to dig in the garden/pull the weeds
Doing laundry-carrying the laundry basket and pulling the wet clothes out of the washer
Helping to carry in the groceries
Riding a bike or scooter (handle bars)
Help turn a large jump rope for friends to jump
Pulling a wagon
Sweeping and mopping the kitchen floor or washing the floor Cinderella style
Sidewalk chalk for drawing hop scotch or making art and using squirt water toys to wash it away
Holding onto a swing or using hands to climb at the park
Create a fort using cardboard boxes and appropriate tape. Use a large paint brush to paint it.
Use large squirt "devices" or those two handed water pumpers to rinse the car or wash the garage door. Or just get friends and family wet.
Pass along the ideas that suit your student's needs and abilities--and are judged safe to try at home.
Wall pushups on flat surface--both hands
Wall pushups on flat surface--one hand with body turned sideways
Wall or chair pushups with hands over rounded object (half tennis ball, swim noodle)
Carrying therapist's tote bag down long school hallways
Traditional theraputty exercises
Hanging by hands from horizontal bar
Bear walking (hands and feet flat on floor)
Balloon tennis with homemade "racket"
Chores that require hand strength and/or sustained wrist extension (carrying pet water bowl or water jug, vacuuming, dusting, making bed)
Putting away canned goods after shopping
Vacuuming car
Working on a vertical surface (writing, coloring, using magnets, etc.)
Use digiflex exerciser--start with low resistance (such as 0.5 lb. or 1 lb.)
Washing the car and wringing out the big sponge.
Helping to dig in the garden/pull the weeds
Doing laundry-carrying the laundry basket and pulling the wet clothes out of the washer
Helping to carry in the groceries
Riding a bike or scooter (handle bars)
Help turn a large jump rope for friends to jump
Pulling a wagon
Sweeping and mopping the kitchen floor or washing the floor Cinderella style
Sidewalk chalk for drawing hop scotch or making art and using squirt water toys to wash it away
Holding onto a swing or using hands to climb at the park
Create a fort using cardboard boxes and appropriate tape. Use a large paint brush to paint it.
Use large squirt "devices" or those two handed water pumpers to rinse the car or wash the garage door. Or just get friends and family wet.
Pass along the ideas that suit your student's needs and abilities--and are judged safe to try at home.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
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